Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center

In the tiny community of Stecoah (near Robbinsville), is a surprising jewel offering amazing art, craft and entertainment that you normally find in much larger towns. Located in a historic school building on the Indian Lakes Scenic Byway, Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center presents the best of local art, craft and music. It's conveniently near the Nantahala River rafting area, Bryson City and Fontana Lake, in the shadows of the Great Smoky Mountains.

At the Stecoah Valley Artisans Gallery, buy original artwork and fine crafts that have made North Carolina famous. There is a wide variety of traditional and contemporary works: paintings, pottery, weaving, wood-turned items, glass works, photography, note cards, jewelry, soaps, quilts, books and much more. The Gallery showcases the work of area artisans, a majority of whom are self-taught, while some are academically trained. The Gallery is open Monday-Saturday 10 AM-5 PM March through November; Monday through Friday, 10 AM-5 PM in December; and during festivals and special events.

An Appalachian Evening, their annual summer concert series, features an impressive line-up of bluegrass, folk and old-time mountain music by award-winning artists on Saturday nights, late June through August, in their historic, intimate auditorium. Concerts start at 7:30 PM and home-cooked dinner is offered in their Schoolhouse Café starting at 6 PM.

October 19-21, 2018: Harvest FestivalThe three-day Harvest Festivalis held the third Friday-Sunday in October, starting with an evening campfire, followed on Saturday with music, dance and craft and food vendor, and a headliner bluegrass group in the auditorium. The Festival concludes with gospel singing on Sunday. Read more.

June 22-23 & November 23-24, 2018: Arts & Crafts Drive-About TourTake a free self-guided driving tour of the galleries and working studios of Graham and Swain Counties and buy arts and crafts directly from the artist. Pick up a map at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center. 10 AM-5 PM.

Directions from Asheville (85 miles)Take I-40 west to exit 27 for Hwy 74 (Great Smoky Mountain Expressway). Stay on Hwy 74 (four lane) for about 48 miles. Turn right on NC Hwy 28 for about 10 miles and watch for signs for Stecoah on left.

Nearby Things to Do & Places to Stay

Graham County Places to Stay

Find great places to stay in Graham County, home to Robbinsville, Lake Santeetlah, Fontana Lake and Stecoah in the Nantahala National Forest. Stay in log cabins, friendly B&Bs, luxury lodges, lakeside campgrounds and small hotels.

This 60-mile North Carolina Scenic Byway follows NC Highway 28 and US Highway 129 by several lakes through the Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains. The Indian Lakes Scenic Byway takes... read more

Spend a fabulous day or two in Bryson City and the Great Smokies with waterfalls, hiking, rafting, food and shopping. Since this jewel of small town America offers so much to do, it's one of our top... read more